After Selous Game Reserve Ruaha national park is the 2nd largest national park in the country. Covering an area of 13,000 square kilometers the national park is one of the remotest yet beautiful national parks of the country.

The Ruaha national park is located in the heart of Tanzania and just about 130km from Iringa. The national park encompasses the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which includes Rungwa Game Reserve, Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area, as well as the Muhesi Game Reserves. Usangu Game Reserve was added with Ruaha in 2008, after that it became the 2nd largest national park of the country.

The name of the park is derived from the great Ruaha River flowing inside the park. The river is flowing in the south-eastern part of the park. The riverbed offers a great opportunity in game-viewing. During the dry season when the vegetation gets thinner and other small water sources dry out, all the animals gathered near the river for food and water. Hence, it is a great place for wildlife viewing in the dry season.

The Ruaha national park is governed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority. It is well-known for the highest concentration of lion. Ruaha holds 10% of the lion population of the world. Not only lions but also there are the largest concentration of elephant herds can be spotted in the park. However, it is lesser than the Tarangire national park.

You can spot following animals in the national park;